Ask Your Cat Question. Cat Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Cat Question?)

I have a litter of three born on 2/22/08. Mom has been ...

Sent to Cat Experts February 29 2008 at 2:29 PM
   

I have a litter of three born on 2/22/08. Mom has been nursing fine until this morning when she showed irritability and pain. Her nipples were tiped in dried blood and she would not nurse the litter. What can I do to help here get back on track?

 

Optional Information:
Age: 2; Female; Breed: Calico

Already Tried:
Warm, moist washcloth compress on the sore nipples and application of antibiotic ointment.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
February 29 2008 at 2:39 PM (10 minutes and 4 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
Hi Dawilson,

She shouldn't have bleeding from her nipples. This might indicate mastitis. Mastitis is generally first noticed as a swelling and inflammation of the breast. While it is easy to treat, it can be deadly if not treated quickly. Mastitis is caused by bacteria entering the nipple and gaining the upper hand leading to infection which often can enter the blood stream and thus infect other parts of your female as her immune system is already under the stress of having pups and nursing.

You may notice these additional symptoms depending on how far the infection has spread. They are a rectal temperature higher than 103F, poor appetite, low energy level and dying puppies (due to bacteria in the milk). Of course, other conditions can cause these same symptoms, but mastitis in the most likely cause in a nursing dog.

Puppies should be taken away from the mother immediately and not allowed to nurse, as the milk is bacteria filled and can kill the puppies. Your female should be taken to the Vet immediately for treatment.

Here is a site on Mastitis:
http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/breeding/mastitis.htm

You can try milking the teat. Warm compresses will help with milking the teat. That is one recommend home treatment. You can also use a cool compress to reduce the swell and heat in the infected teat until you can see the vet tomorrow. It is important to get her seen as mastitis can be serious.

Milk replacer can be found at the pet store and goat's milk (not cow's milk) can be used in a pinch. I hope this information is helpful to you.


If you feel my answer was helpful, please click on ACCEPT. Feedback & Bonuses are always welcome. If a deposit has been made, it remains with Just Answer until you press ACCEPT. Once you press ACCEPT then I am paid.
Thanks,
Jane
Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the JustAnswer service comes from those individuals, not from JustAnswer, and that JustAnswer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on JustAnswer are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. JustAnswer is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

JustAnswer > Cat Breed Info and Feline Health Care